Lymphatic drainage for pregnant women: benefits (and how to do it)

Lymphatic drainage for pregnant women has several benefits, such as reducing swelling in the legs, feet and face, eliminating toxins and reducing the risk of varicose veins, as it helps to activate blood and lymphatic circulation, eliminating excess fluid through urine.

Lymphatic drainage during pregnancy is contraindicated in the first 3 months of pregnancy and it is important that it is carried out by an appropriate professional, as the belly, back and feet, which are the places where greater fluid retention can be observed, have points stimulants that can cause premature birth.

It is important to emphasize that manual lymphatic drainage is a very light type of massage in which there is no application of force, and must be carried out by a physiotherapist or massage therapist experienced in this type of procedure for pregnant women.

Benefits of lymphatic drainage during pregnancy

The main benefits of lymphatic drainage during pregnancy are:

• Reduces swelling in the legs, feet, hands and face;
• Improved blood circulation;
• Eliminates toxins from the body;
• Reduces the risk of developing varicose veins;
• Improved cell and tissue nutrition;
• Promotes relaxation and reduces stress;
• Increases energy and a feeling of well-being;
• Reduces cellulite.

Additionally, lymphatic drainage during pregnancy helps strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation in the body.

Typically, it is recommended to perform 1 manual lymphatic drainage session per week throughout pregnancy and postpartum to help promote a woman’s feeling of well-being.

It is important to perform lymphatic drainage during pregnancy only if approved by the obstetrician, after a medical consultation to assess the health status of the woman and the baby, and whether there are any contraindications.

Make an appointment with an obstetrician in the nearest region:

Types of maneuvers to perform lymphatic drainage

To perform lymphatic drainage for pregnant women, the main maneuvers are:

• Pumping maneuver: done to stimulate the main lymph nodes for 5 to 7 times in a row, always at the beginning and end of lymphatic drainage. This stimulation is necessary to empty the region so that it can receive the liquid that will be drained;
• Smooth, repeated movements: This is done by always sliding your hands from bottom to top, in the regions that need to be drained, making gentle and repeated movements, 5 to 7 times per area.

These maneuvers should preferably be carried out by a physiotherapist or massage therapist who specializes in this type of procedure during pregnancy, and always after the obstetrician’s consent.

How to perform lymphatic drainage during pregnancy

Lymphatic drainage during pregnancy can be done on the legs, arms and face. To do this, you must apply moisturizing cream to the skin and then follow the following steps:

1. Lymphatic drainage in the legs

Lymphatic drainage massage on the legs helps reduce leg swelling at the end of the day and should be done as follows:

1. Slide your hands from the knee to the groin, repeating 7 times;
2. Slide your hands from the ankle to the groin, repeating 7 times;
3. Place your hands on the back of your knee and slide down to your groin, repeating between 5 and 10 times.

See also how to avoid swollen ankles during pregnancy.

2. Lymphatic drainage in the arms

Lymphatic drainage in the arms is a great way to relieve fluid accumulation in the hands and arms and can be done by following the following steps:

1. Slide your hand from the elbow to the armpit, repeating 7 times on the front and back of the arm;
2. Slide your hand from the wrist to the armpit, repeating 7 times on the front and back of the arm.

3. Lymphatic drainage on the face

The lymphatic drainage technique on the face helps to eliminate the small swelling that appears near the nose and under the eyes and can be done as follows:

1. Slide your fingertips from your nose to your ears, repeating 8 times;
2. Slide your fingertips from the outer corner of the eye to the hairline, repeating 5 times;
3. Slide your fingertips from the inner corner of the eye to the hair roots, repeating 7 times;

To improve the results of lymphatic drainage, it is recommended that pregnant women drink at least 2 liters of water a day, walk 30 minutes a day, wear comfortable clothes and give preference to fruits, lean meats and vegetables.

When not indicated

Although it can be performed during pregnancy, lymphatic drainage may be contraindicated in some situations, such as:

• First trimester of pregnancy;
• Risky pregnancy;
• Renal insufficiency;
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure;
• Deep vein thrombosis;
• Tumors or cancer;
• Blisters, sores or skin infections.

Furthermore, lymphatic drainage during pregnancy is contraindicated in cases of diseases related to the lymphatic system.